Easy Golden Oven Baked Chicken Breast Recipe for Busy Cooks

Succulent and tender chicken breasts emerge from the oven with this foolproof oven baked chicken breast recipe that guarantees a delightful meal every time.

Seasoned with a perfect blend of herbs and spices, the chicken develops a golden, crispy exterior while staying incredibly juicy inside.

Home cooks adore this straightforward method that requires minimal preparation and delivers maximum flavor.

Each bite promises a delectable experience that will have everyone at the table asking for seconds.

The secret lies in simple techniques that transform ordinary chicken into a restaurant-worthy dish.

Simple ingredients and precise cooking make this recipe a weeknight dinner champion.

You’ll savor every morsel of this mouthwatering chicken that’s sure to become a family favorite.

Why Oven Baked Chicken Is a Classic

• This recipe ensures juicy chicken every single time by flattening the meat and using a precise cooking method that prevents dryness and guarantees consistent texture.
• Simple spice blend transforms ordinary chicken into a mouthwatering dish with minimal effort, combining sweet and savory notes that appeal to all taste buds.
• Perfect for busy weeknights, meal prep, or casual family dinners, this recipe adapts easily to different side dishes and can be prepared with basic kitchen ingredients.
• Straightforward steps make this recipe accessible for home cooks of all skill levels, requiring minimal culinary expertise and delivering professional-quality results without complicated techniques.

Ingredients for Baked Chicken Breast

• Chicken Breast: A lean protein cut that provides the base for this delicious oven-baked dish.

• Garlic Powder, Onion Powder, Paprika, Italian Seasoning: A blend of spices that adds depth and complexity to the chicken's flavor profile.
• Salt, Black Pepper: Essential seasonings that enhance the overall taste of the dish.
• Brown Sugar: Adds a subtle sweetness and helps create a delicious caramelized exterior.

• Olive Oil: Helps distribute seasonings and keeps the chicken moist during cooking.
• Butter: Adds richness and helps create a golden, flavorful exterior.

• Plastic Wrap: Used for pounding the chicken to an even thickness.
• Non-Stick Spray or Additional Olive Oil: Prevents the chicken from sticking to the baking dish.

How to Bake Chicken Breasts

Step 1: Fire Up the Oven

Crank the oven to a toasty 400°F.

Grab a 9×13 inch baking dish and give it a light coating of olive oil or non-stick spray to prevent any clingy chicken moments.

Step 2: Flatten the Protein

Sandwich each chicken breast between plastic wrap sheets.

Grab a rolling pin and gently pound the chicken until it’s an even 0.5 – 0.75 inches thick.

This trick ensures every bite cooks perfectly and stays juicy.

Step 3: Create Flavor Magic

• Garlic powder
• Onion powder
• Paprika
• Italian seasoning
• Salt
• Pepper
• Brown sugar

Drizzle olive oil over the chicken, then sprinkle the spice mix generously.

Massage the seasonings into every surface of the meat.

Step 4: Butter and Bake

Transfer the seasoned chicken to the prepared dish.

Crown each piece with a small butter pat for extra moisture and richness.

Slide the dish into the oven and bake for 18-20 minutes.

You’re aiming for an internal temperature of 165°F – use a meat thermometer to check.

Step 5: Crisp It Up

Want a golden-brown finish?

Flip on the broiler for 1-3 minutes.

Watch closely to avoid burning – this is your chance to add a gorgeous crispy exterior.

Smart Tips for Juicy Chicken Breasts

• Use a meat thermometer to check chicken reaches exactly 165°F for food safety and perfect doneness.
• Flatten chicken evenly to ensure uniform cooking and prevent dry or undercooked sections.
• Top each chicken breast with a small butter pat to enhance tenderness and add rich flavor.
• Rub spice mixture thoroughly into every surface of the chicken for maximum taste absorption.
• Watch carefully during final 1-3 minutes under broiler to achieve golden color without burning the meat.

How to Store Baked Chicken Breast

• Store cooled chicken in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Properly sealed chicken stays fresh for 3-4 days in the refrigerator. Cover completely to prevent moisture loss and bacteria growth.
• Wrap individual chicken breasts tightly in plastic wrap, then place in freezer-safe bags. Remove excess air to prevent freezer burn. Frozen chicken maintains quality for up to 4 months. Label with date for easy tracking.
• Place chicken on a microwave-safe plate. Sprinkle a few drops of water over the meat to prevent drying. Cover with a damp paper towel. Heat on 50% power for 1-2 minutes, checking temperature periodically to avoid overcooking.
• Preheat oven to 350°F. Place chicken in a baking dish, add a splash of chicken broth to maintain moisture. Cover with foil to prevent further browning. Warm for 10-15 minutes until internal temperature reaches 165°F.

Side Ideas for Oven Chicken

• Elevate Flavor Combinations: Pair this juicy oven-baked chicken with crisp white wines like Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio that complement the herb-infused seasoning.
• Wine-Tastic Match: Select a light-bodied chardonnay to balance the chicken's rich butter and brown sugar notes, creating a harmonious dining experience.
• Perfect Side Kick: Serve alongside roasted asparagus or a fresh mixed green salad with lemon vinaigrette to cut through the chicken's richness and add bright, tangy contrast.
• Herbal Herb Harmony: Garnish with fresh chopped parsley or basil to enhance the Italian seasoning blend and add a pop of fresh, green flavor to the golden-brown chicken.

Simple Baked Chicken Variations

• Herb-Crusted Chicken: Replace spice blend with fresh chopped rosemary, thyme, and parsley for an aromatic Mediterranean-style version.
• Low-Sodium Option: Eliminate salt and use salt-free herb seasoning blend, perfect for heart-healthy diets.
• Gluten-Free Adaptation: Verify all seasonings are certified gluten-free and replace brown sugar with coconut sugar for sensitive individuals.
• Keto-Friendly Approach: Swap brown sugar with monk sweetener, increase butter quantity, and use high-quality avocado oil instead of olive oil to boost fat content for ketogenic requirements.

FAQs

• Why should I flatten the chicken before baking?

Flattening chicken breasts helps them cook evenly, preventing dry edges and undercooked centers. By pounding the chicken to a consistent 0.5-0.75 inch thickness, you ensure that every part of the meat cooks at the same rate, resulting in a juicier and more tender chicken.

• Can I use dried herbs instead of fresh seasonings?

Absolutely! Dried herbs work perfectly in this recipe. If you don’t have fresh spices, use what you have in your pantry. The key is to mix the dried garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, Italian seasoning, salt, pepper, and brown sugar to create a flavorful seasoning blend.

• How do I know when the chicken is fully cooked?

Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature. The chicken is safe to eat when it reaches 165°F. This ensures the chicken is thoroughly cooked without becoming dry or tough. If you don’t have a thermometer, cut into the thickest part of the chicken to check that the meat is white throughout with no pink areas.

• What if I want a more crispy exterior?

Turn on the broiler for the last 1-3 minutes of cooking. This will give the chicken a golden, slightly crispy top.

Oven Baked Chicken Breast Recipe

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4.9 from 23 reviews

• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Succulent Oven Baked Chicken Breast elevates weeknight dinners with its simple yet flavorful approach. Juicy seasoned chicken emerges perfectly golden and tender, promising a delightful meal you’ll savor from first bite to last.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Protein:

• 2 pounds (907 grams) chicken breast, boneless and skinless

Spices and Seasonings:

• 2 teaspoons garlic powder
• 2 teaspoons onion powder
• 1 teaspoon ground paprika
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper

Other Ingredients:

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 tablespoon light brown sugar
• 1 tablespoon butter, diced

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Instructions

1. Prepare the oven at 400°F and ready a 9×13 inch casserole dish with a light coating of olive oil to prevent chicken from adhering to the surface.
2. Position chicken breasts between plastic wrap sheets and carefully flatten to an even 0.5-0.75 inch thickness using a rolling pin, ensuring uniform cooking throughout.
3. Combine garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, Italian seasoning, salt, pepper, and brown sugar in a small mixing bowl to create a robust seasoning blend.
4. Drizzle olive oil over chicken breasts, then generously distribute the spice mixture across both sides, massaging thoroughly to guarantee complete coverage.
5. Transfer seasoned chicken to the prepared casserole dish and place a small butter pat atop each breast to enhance moisture and flavor profile.
6. Slide the dish into the preheated oven and bake for 18-20 minutes, monitoring until the internal temperature reaches precisely 165°F.
7. Optional: Activate the broiler for a final 1-3 minutes to achieve a golden, crispy exterior, watching carefully to prevent burning.

Notes

• Flattening the chicken ensures uniform cooking, preventing dry edges and raw centers, so use a rolling pin between plastic wrap for consistent thickness.
• Marinate chicken in buttermilk or yogurt for 30 minutes before seasoning to boost tenderness and moisture, especially helpful for lean chicken breasts.
• Check internal temperature with a meat thermometer to guarantee food safety and avoid overcooking, which can make chicken tough and dry.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Dinner
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 276
• Sugar: 1 g
• Sodium: 642 mg
• Fat: 10 g
• Saturated Fat: 3 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 2 g
• Fiber: 0 g
• Protein: 45 g
• Cholesterol: 125 mg